Forming a Florida LLC: the five steps, and the one that trips everyone

Forming a limited liability company in Florida is a short process. Choose a name that is distinguishable on the state register. Appoint a registered agent with a physical Florida street address who is available during business hours. File the articles of organization with the Division of Corporations. Obtain an EIN from the IRS, which is free and takes minutes online. Open a bank account in the company's name. Then the step that is not on the list and matters most: an operating agreement. Florida does not require one to be filed, but without it the default statutory rules govern, and in a multi-member company those defaults decide what happens in a disagreement, a departure or a death. Single-member companies benefit too, because the agreement is part of what shows the entity is real and separate. The recurring obligation is the annual report, due by May 1 each year. Missing it brings a substantial late fee that the state does not waive, and continued failure leads to administrative dissolution — which means the liability protection the owner formed the company for is no longer there. Beyond the state: a local business tax receipt in most cities and counties, a sales tax registration with the Department of Revenue if selling taxable goods or services, and any professional or industry licence. Two habits protect the structure more than any filing. A separate bank account used for everything. And contracts, invoices and leases in the company's name, signed in a representative capacity. This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change and every deal is different — check your own case with a licensed professional. Alberto Zaltzberg — Adonait · adonait.com